Utahns urged to consider flood insurance following record-breaking winter
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — With record snowfall this year comes concern over rapid snowmelt and flooding in several parts of Utah, urging many to consider flood insurance.
You don't have to live in a flood zone or in a high-risk flood area to benefit from flood insurance or experience water damage.
By Monday, March 27, flood risk was "relatively high" in the Salt Lake Valley, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"Flood caused by natural disaster is the most common type of claim we see," said MJ Martinez, owner of Platinum Insurance in Centerville.
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She said the average claim arising from flood is about $41,000.
It's important to note that flood insurance is not included in a standard homeowner insurance policy.
Flood insurance must be purchased separately and sometimes from a different insurance company; not all offer flood insurance.
Martinez said sometimes, accidentally leaving a window open during a storm can let in enough water to cause expensive water damage.
Flood insurance can cover repairs on the structure of your house, loss of belongings or loss of use if you are displaced.
The price of a policy depends on where you live as well as the level of flood risk in your area.
Keep in mind that flood insurance often requires a waiting period of up to 30 days.
Should there be widespread flood damage, it's possible that flood insurance companies impose a moratorium on new polices. This was seen after the Utah's 2020 earthquake.
"We were not allowed to write earthquake policies for a period of time," said Martinez.
Martinez provided the following tips to help minimize flood risk at your home:
- Clear ice and drifts away from rain gutters and window wells.
- Be sure there is proper drainage away from your home.
- Keep sandbags away from sunlight to prevent eroding
- Repair cracked, open or uneven driveways
- Elevate valuables stored in your basement
- Consider a sump pump
